Guide Note

"Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television", also known as "Seven Dirty Words", was a comedy routine by George Carlin that used seven words that were considered inappropriate for use on television. A 1973 airing of a similar monologue by Carlin, "Filthy Words" led to a Supreme Court ruling which redefined what is currently considered "indecent" vs. "obscene" speech on TV and radio.

Fast Facts

1. "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television" was off of Carlin's 1972 album Class Clown
2. 1973 album Occupation: Foole contained similar monologue "Filthy Words"
3. Uncensored "Filthy Words" aired on Pacifica Radio, led to Supreme Court case FCC v. Pacifica Foundation in 1978
4. Arrested on July 21, 1972 for disturbing the peace after performing "Seven Dirty Words" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
5. Freed on $150 bail
6. Case dismissed: Indecent language but supported under free speech and public disturbance unfounded¹

1. S--t
2. P-ss
3. F--k
4. C--t
5. C--------r
6. Motherf----r
7. T-ts